Over 3,200 Boeing defense plant workers in Missouri and Illinois are set to vote on a revised contract offer this Sunday, October 26, following nearly 80 days on strike.
The walkout began on August 4, when employees rejected previous deals, including a 20% wage increase over four years and $5,000 signing bonuses, saying the offers did not meet their needs.
The striking workers are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, who assemble fighter jets and munitions at Boeing's St. Louis-area plants.
In a memo to members, the union said the latest contract proposal includes minor modifications from Boeing but comes without a recommendation from the bargaining committee.
According to Reuters, the company's updates give strikers more time before returning to work and remove a provision that allowed non-union workers to perform union tasks for up to 30 days after the strike ends.
Despite these changes, many workers feel that pay and benefits still fall short of what they deserve.
"The strike has been tough, but our members want fair pay and retirement benefits," a union representative said. "We've been patient, and now it's time for members to have their say."
Boeing union sets October 26 vote on contract offer for 3,200 striking workershttps://t.co/9iwal604aG
— Economic Times (@EconomicTimes) October 24, 2025
Boeing Jet Production Slows Amid Strike
Boeing has continued operations during the strike by hiring permanent replacements and moving some work to other locations.
The prolonged walkout has slowed production of key military aircraft, including the F-15EX and F/A-18 jets, raising concerns about defense supply timelines, NewsBytes reported.
The union has also highlighted that Boeing refused to consider its own proposal, which most members supported.
That plan aimed to mirror the Seattle-area contract agreed to last year, which included higher contributions to retirement plans. Members had previously voted 90% in favor of the union's four-year contract, but Boeing declined to negotiate it.
This weekend's vote could determine whether the strike ends or continues to disrupt operations.
If approved, the contract would resume work under the modified terms, potentially easing tensions in the Midwest defense manufacturing sector.
If rejected, further negotiations or continued labor actions may follow, prolonging uncertainty for workers and the company alike.
Originally published on vcpost.com
